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Ceremonies, Events Around Tri-State Area To Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- People around the nation Monday are honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January and this year, it happens to fall on the Nobel Peace Prize winner's actual birthday.

There are events happening around the Tri-State area, including day of service events, unity marches and tributes.

In New York, a free public program was being held Monday morning in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, near the state Capitol, featuring a performance by Grammy and Tony Award winner Jennifer Holliday.

Speakers included Lola Brabham, the acting state civil service commissioner, and SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson. The holiday events also will include a march to a nearby King Monument and an Albany City Hall carillon concert.

Brooklyn hosted New York City's largest public celebration, the 32nd annual Brooklyn tribute at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Monday morning.

"We have to remember today and every day Dr. King's belief that we can change America if we feel a deep sense, an unyielding sense of passion to change," Sen. Charles Schumer said at the event.

"His lessons are the teachings of perseverance, of determination, of a willingness to never give up even when it's hard," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said.

In New Jersey, Gov.-Elect, Phil Murphy is participating in a statewide day of service.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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